particularly likeable. He inherited courage and integrity from his father, as well as a calculated sense of quiet reserve. From his mother, he gained an impulsive, emotional streak which he managed, for the most pat, to keep under control. When he became king, he had to control his stronger passions and maintain a
             detached, almost impenetrable facade. As already noted, he married the Princess Isabel of Castile in October of 1469. Their marriage was not matter of romance but political opportunity. Together, they were known as "Reyes Catolicos," the Catholic Kings.
             The court of Aragon needed the mechanism to return to Castile, and Isabel needed help to gain succession to the throne. Historical research shows that the marriage was the beginning of a dark and troubled life in which Ferdinand fought on both the fronts of Castile and Aragon to impose his authority upon their nobility. The two of them were extremely effective in
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